Spread across three sessions (Friday evening and two on Saturday), the festival made smart use of the venue’s layout. The main theatre space hosted the majority of the breweries, with taps flowing and brewers chatting enthusiastically with guests. A smaller studio space acted as a chill-out area with plenty of seating, while the arts centre’s usual bar was also in operation, providing yet another space to savour the beer and soak in the atmosphere.

The festival’s brewery line-up was nothing short of impressive. From national favourites like Pomona Island, Rivington Brewing Co, Little Earth Project, and Sureshot Brewing, to newer names like Makemake and Bang The Elephant, alongside local legends Dolphin Brewery, Siren Craft, Phantom Brewing, and Foible Barrelled, there was no shortage of quality.
This was a pay-as-you-go event (cashless only), and the £16 entry fee included a well-designed branded glass—an ideal souvenir and vessel for the night’s discoveries. The beer list leaned traditional in some areas—especially with a noticeable tilt toward sours—but there was still an excellent selection of IPAs, stouts, DIPAs, and even a few GF and AF options for those who needed them.

Two food vendors outside kept hunger at bay—one dishing up satisfyingly indulgent Detroit-style square pizzas, and the other serving wraps and loaded fries. Both were ideal beer companions and kept punters happily fuelled for the evening.
In all, Stage Craft Festival was a well-executed, well-attended, and well-enjoyed event. Friendly faces, great beer, and a thoughtful venue layout made this a standout on the craft beer calendar. We hope it becomes a staple fixture in Reading’s festival scene—and judging by this year’s success, it certainly deserves to be.